At first, I
saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know
whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of
like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.
But later
on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike
ride,
but it was
a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know
just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not
been the same
since.
When I had
control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable it was the
shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew
delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck
speeds. It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though
it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried
and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?"
He laughed
and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring
life
and entered
into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean
back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts
to take on
my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we were off again.
He said, "Give
the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did,
to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still
our
burden was
light.
I did not trust
Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but he
knows bike
secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how
to jump to
clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I
am learning
to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy
the view and
the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion,
Jesus Christ.
And when I'm
sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."